HighCountryMommies

Time is running out!!!

2012-05-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Time is running out to vote for your favorite non-profit, The Mommies Network, in Eleventy Marketing Group's Eleventy Group's 4Good contest The winner will receive a free ONCORE marketing package to maximize fundraising- freeing up our volunteers to focus on our mission of providing a safe, secure, FREE place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empowering them to be better women, parents and community leaders. Fundraising not only provides technology upgrades to our expanding network, but it also goes to support all our Chapters and the "moms on the ground."

So join our facebook event to vote and share. Get those votes in by 11:59 p.m. EST and help us spread our wings!

We're on our way!!!

2012-05-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

We're soaring high with your help!
The Mommies Network is in the running for a fundraising marketing package that will increase our development efforts. A free ONCORE package from Eleventy Group's 4Good contest will benefit all our members by raising funds with less effort. More money means a better network for mommies across the nation.
Join our facebook event to vote and share. A minute of your time is all it takes.
With gratitude,
The Mommies Network

The Mommies Network needs your help!

2012-05-21T12:57:00.001-07:00

The Mommies Network is a finalist non-profit in Eleventy Group's 4Good contest With a simple click to vote and another to share, you can help boost TMN's fundraising power. Better fundraising means technology upgrades, an expanding network, and more time for our volunteers to focus on what they do best: make mom-to-mom connections everyday.

Join our facebook event to spread the word that will help us spread our wings. Voting costs nothing but a minute of your time.

From everyone at The Mommies Network, thanks for your support.

Secret Sisters!

2012-03-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

Free Premium Membership Access for a Limited Time

2012-03-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what's so special about Premium Access to the National Forum? For a limited time The Mommies Network is offering FREE access to premium content like Debate This and Buy/Sell/Swap to all members.
See what you've been missing by logging on to http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/nationalforum/index.php and get started today.

Free Premium Access is available to all current and new members of The Mommies Network National Forum. It is available NOW through April 30th.

HCM Canned Food Drive for MARCH!

2012-03-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2012-03-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

HighCountryMommies' fabulous Flower Power fundraiser is drawing to a close, so if you haven't placed your order yet, now is the time! It's never too early to plan to improve your curb appeal or beautify your backyard. From begonias to tiger lilies and everything in between, Flower Power is the place for quality flower bulbs with a 100 percent money guarantee.

This fundraiser runs until March 20, 2012, and your bulbs will arrive in April and May, just in time for beautiful summer blooms. Time is running out!

Save time, money, and gas by planning your perfect garden from the comfort of your computer. Spring over to http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/i/t/240203/oq89R2Ljw8V5, and check out the wide array of lovely lilies and pretty peonies, among other bulbs. As a bonus, if you spend $40 or more, Flower Power will send you a free bag of 10 Twilight gladiolus, a $10 value.

So what are you waiting for? Don't delay: Grow with us today!

Profits made through our fundraising link go toward our chapter's operating expenses.

Endless Blessings Birth Doula Services

2012-02-27T10:09:00.001-08:00

What would it be like to have your ideal birth experience? Would it be the same as the

child or children that you already birthed or would it be different? Would you have

different support people there or did you feel fully supported? Do you feel like you had

all the education that you need before you had your baby?

At Endless Blessings our mission is to support birth parents and pregnant women

in the High Country, so that they feel valued and of worth; by serving, educating,

supporting, and encouraging them, so that they might have an empowering and

satisfying birth experience and confident early parenthood.

We know that as a mom, starting out right is important and we are passionate about what

we do. We are passionate about women having an empowering birth experience where

they have enough information to call all the shots, even if everything doesn’t go perfectly

as planned. And, we are passionate about supporting women as them embark in early

parenthood.

We recently unveiled a new website that will be the High County source for information

when it comes to pregnancy, birth, post-birth and have services that can fit some of your

needs.

Right now, we have some fabulous giveaways going on to celebrate and we want to

invite you to join in on the party! Don’t worry, you don’t have to be pregnant to enter.

There are lots of great giveaways that we hope you will also share with your friends.

Giveaways being currently offered are:

Local Scenes Photography by Betsy Cain

Odor Remover from Market America (low enteries)

Maternity or Newborn Session by TaraMichelle Photography

Wee Cycle Children’s Consignment Sale

One + Tutu

EB Childbirth Doula Package

New giveaways are being presented daily! Stop by the party, enter to win, and click

around the site!

www.endlessblessingsbirth.com

Spring Yard Sale THIS SATURDAY, Feb. 25th!

2012-02-20T07:16:00.000-08:00

We will have a huge variety of items for anyone in your family from womb to retirement- household necessities, clothing, toys, vehicles, climbing/hiking/camping gear, cribs, furniture, computers, televisions, baby essentials and gear, movies, electronics, home decorating items, yard care necessities, antiques, collectibles, diapers, personal care items, handmade items, Eco friendly toys, and much much more. There will also be a few local vendors there with deals, coupons and freebies. We will also be collecting donations of clothing, toys and house hold necessities to give to local non profit organizations that benefit families in need in the High Country.

Sellers: If you are interested in Renting a space For this sale, please contact Jenny Young, jenny@highcountrymommies.com

A special thank you to Aaron's for helping us with the space!

Learn a New Language During Cultural Awareness Month!

2012-02-15T07:17:00.000-08:00

Bonjour! Ciao! Hola! Have you been checking the National Chapter and participating in Cultural Awareness Month? In our Multicultural Mommies forum, we’re talking about foreign languages and discovering fun facts about different cultures. Join the celebration, and add some new words and phrases to your linguistic repertoire!

Do you have something to add to the conversation? Share your knowledge with other moms who are learning a language with their children. Go global with TMN as we highlight the many languages and cultures that make our world wonderful!

February is Cultural Awareness Month!

2012-02-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

February is Cultural Awareness Month at The Mommies Network, and we're thinking globally! Share a love for foreign language and different cultures with your child in our Multicultural Mommies forum on our National Chapter. Each week, we'll feature several languages and cultural tidbits. You may also participate and strengthen your language lingo in a special webinar. Additionally, our sponsor will provide information on how you can continue your language-learning experience after the month is over.

According to Associated Content, brain research shows that children are at an optimal age for language learning. Although language study is effective at any age, some studies suggest that the human brain is more open to learning a foreign language from birth to preadolescence. Fortunately, researchers have not found an age in which the language window closes completely, especially in the areas of grammar and vocabulary.

Take advantage of this opportunity to think globally, and join us as we learn about foreign languages and different ways of life during Cultural Awareness Month at TMN!

Do You Have Flower Power?

2012-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for some curb appeal? Do you need to beautify your backyard? Spring planting season may be a few months away, but there's no better time than now to grow with HighCountryMommies! We've partnered with Flower Power to bring you a fabulous fundraiser to help you plan the garden of your dreams.

Flower Power sells quality flower bulbs with a 100 percent money-back guarantee. Gorgeous geraniums, tantalizing tiger lilies, and beautiful begonias are just a few of the many bulbs available and ready to be shipped to your door. This fundraiser runs Jan. 22–March 20, 2012, and your bulbs will arrive in April and May, just in time for beautiful summer blooms.

So save some gas and the trip to your local nursery or big-box store, and plan your perfect garden from the comfort of your computer. Visit http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/i/t/240203/oq89R2Ljw8V5 to view the enormous array of flower bulbs, and spring into Flower Power and HighCountryMommies' fabulous fundraiser!

Special bonus: Spend $40 or more to receive a free bag of 10 Twilight gladiolus, a $10 value.

Grow with us!

Profits made through our fundraising link go toward our chapter's operating expenses.

Reminder: Ring in the New Year With TMN!

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

The New Year's parties may have ended, but our sponsorship promotion hasn't! We're still ringing in the New Year at The Mommies Network with an incredible deal that will have you reaching for your noisemakers.

Moms may have the greatest buying power, sharing business experiences and trends with one another. And since women make more than 80 percent of all purchasing decisions and control two thirds of the nation’s disposable income, targeting this group benefits your company. Resolve to reach this influenial portion of the population by taking advantage of this limited-time promotion.

With all new/renewed sponsorship agreements, your business will receive a complimentary blog feature (advertorial to include logo/product image and 500 words). Prepaid agreements receive a 5 percent discount and a complimentary two months on one sponsorship listing. Sponsors also receive 20 percent off event sponsorships. Offer expires Jan. 31, 2012.

The end of the month is just around the corner, so what are you waiting for? Celebrate with TMN by taking advantage of this amazing deal.

For more details on how your business can ring in the New Year with moms across the nation, please contact Jessica Van Dyke at Jessica.VanDyke@TheMommiesNetwork.org.

TMN Weigh-In Challenge News

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, and Happy New Year to everyone!

My name is Karen Skidmore, and I am the owner of Completely Fit, a personal training and fitness company located in Mount Airy, Md. I am a team leader for one of the groups in The Mommies Network Weigh-In Challenge.

All my team members have started off strong and are working very hard to accomplish their goals. They were asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire about their current nutritional and fitness habits, and answer questions about what changes they wanted to create. Based on that information, I have helped each person come up with a detailed action plan that will not only help to accomplish her goals, but more importantly, help to improve her lifestyle.

If you are looking to make a change in your life but are not a part of the Weigh-In Challenge, you too can do it with just a few small changes at a time.

If your nutrition is off track, start by taking away one unhealthy food once a week and replacing it with a healthy food.

If your exercise routine is off track, start by finding something you really enjoy doing — walking, biking, or swimming — and adding 10 minutes of that exercise to your day. Before you know it, exercise will have become a daily routine.

Be sure to track your results, as we do much better when we can see our progress.

I am very excited to be a part of this group and team, and I look forward to reporting our successes back to you each month. — Karen Skidmore, Completely Fit

The Family Organizer

2012-01-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

I'm forever looking for ways to get better organized. It's even more of a challenge when you have a family to keep track of. The schedules, shopping lists, and tomorrow's to-do's are always being lost or shuffled from one place to another. I've put together a family organizer that helps me keep track of my family's activities from week to week. This organizer makes it easy to keep track of almost anything.

One day I was looking at the ready-made templates that came with my word processing program, and I noticed there were many home-related templates already made up for me to use for my organizer. There was a monthly calendar and a weekly menu planner and grocery shopping list. I made a calendar for every month of the year to write important dates to remember, and printed out enough weekly menu planners to last a
month or two.

The weekly meal planner has columns for every day of the week with "Breakfast," "Lunch," and "Dinner" listed for each day. Every weekend you write in your meals for the week, and then make up a shopping list to take to the grocery store. The menu planner has a place at the bottom to write in your shopping list, or you could make up a separate list. Download a free menu planner template from http://www.creativehomemaking.com/download.shtml. Just print, and photocopy as needed for your organizer.

The best way to organize your calendars and menu planners is in a three-ring binder. You can buy dividers that already have the months of the year printed on them. Just file your monthly calendars in the binder with your weekly menu planners in between. This is just the start. You can create sections in your binder for whatever you want. For instance, file your children's school or sports schedules in your organizer. Just punch holes in the pages and file them in the appropriate month. You could also include a list of phone numbers and addresses, or a list of family birthdays and anniversaries. You can buy folders for your binder that have pockets in them. Make one for greeting cards and one for coupons. How about one for your monthly bills? The possibilities are endless.

One of the great things about the family organizer is that it keeps so many things handy and in a central location. Now if someone wants to know what's for dinner or has something to add to the grocery shopping list they can refer to the organizer themselves. We keep ours in the kitchen next to the microwave, where it's easily accessible. If you're afraid of pages getting messed up, sheet protectors work great. You can design a cover, too, and slip it into the front of the binder.

Family organizers are fun to make, relatively inexpensive, and limited only by your imagination. Start getting your family's schedules in order today!

Rachel Paxton - rachel@creativehomemaking.com
Originally posted on CharlotteMommies

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T08:41:00.001-08:00

Wishing you save travels and warm memories from HighCountryMommmies.com!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-21T08:08:00.001-08:00

"Snow Angels"

2011-12-12T20:51:00.000-08:00

Ring in the New Year with TMN!

2011-12-05T05:41:00.001-08:00

Ring in the New Year by reaching moms across the nation!

Women make more than 80 percent of all purchasing decisions and control two thirds of the nation’s disposable income. And moms may have the greatest buying power. What mom doesn’t share the latest trends or personal experiences with a business that has provided products or services for her family or herself?

To help you start the New Year with a bang, The Mommies Network is offering the following:
With all new/renewed sponsorship agreements, your business will receive a complimentary blog feature (advertorial to include logo/product image and 500 words). Prepaid agreements receive a 5 percent discount and a complimentary two months on one sponsorship listing. Sponsors also receive 20 percent off event sponsorships. Offer expires Jan. 31, 2012.

The Mommies Network can help your business reach moms across the nation or in your community. We are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a safe, secure, free place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empower them to be better women, parents, and community leaders. Through our online forums, our chapters connect local mothers, enabling them to ask questions, seek support, offer encouragement, find volunteer opportunities, and grow as leaders as they volunteer their time with our site. Our organization provides a valuable service to a portion of the population that is nearly always overlooked, overworked, and taken for granted: moms!

For more details on how your business can ring in the New Year with moms across the nation, please contact Jessica Van Dyke at Jessica.VanDyke@TheMommiesNetwork.org.

How are you reaching the greatest buying power in our nation?

Winter Bucket List!

2011-12-03T16:17:00.000-08:00

Don't Forget: Santa Letters!

2011-11-25T06:59:00.001-08:00

The elves are busy coordinating delivery of Santa letters to boys and girls across the United States. Is your letter in the bunch? If you haven't yet ordered your letter(s), don't delay! Place your order by Nov. 30 to ensure delivery before Christmas.

Remember, Your first custom letter is only $6. If you purchase more than one, you will receive a 10 percent discount on the entire order. Use coupon code SANTA at checkout to receive 10 percent off the total.

You will be asked a few questions about your child during the ordering process. Your answers will assist Santa in creating a unique letter for your child. Letters will be printed on Santa's special stationery, signed by the jolly fellow himself, and with the help of a special elf, shipped in bulk to North Pole, Alaska, in time for your little one to receive a special letter before the holidays.

Reserve your letter(s) before Nov. 30 to ensure delivery before Christmas. We hope you'll take advantage of this terrific treat from the North Pole. Place your order now! http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/santa.html

The proceeds of this fundraiser will support The Mommies Network and your local chapter. Please mention your chapter's name to ensure they receive credit for your purchase.

All Mom Wants For Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Mommies Weigh-In Challenge

2011-11-16T06:00:00.001-08:00

Are you looking to shed a few pounds? Need some help with your fitness goals? Or just searching for the right foods to eat? The Mommies Network challenges you to be the best you can be in 2012!

Join mommies across the country on their journey to be healthy for themselves and their families. Participants will be assigned to regional teams led by a TMN member and a wellness collaborator. Results, tips, and stories will be shared monthly to keep all participants motivated. This challenge is a six-month commitment, running January–June.

Email fitness@themommiesnetwork.org for more information about this program. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 23, 2011.

Events This Week!

2011-11-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15th!

STORY TIME @ WATAUGA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Please join us at the library for story time! They also have train tables, a puppet theater, coloring, and of course books! Check the calendar for directions and specific times!

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17th!

COFFEE TIME!

Come get your latte on at Bald Guy Brew in Blowing Rock! They have a great train table, fire engine, toys, and of course delicious coffee and treats for everyone! We had a great time at this event last month, so hopefully you can make it out and support a local HCM business! See you there! Check the calendar for directions and specific times!

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 18th!

PUMPKIN PLAY DATE!

Come on over to make some pumpkin muffins and have a play date. We can even make a fun coloring book you can take home. Melissa, our Avery Co. Moderator, is hosting and will have everything you need. It will be super fun. Hope to see you there! Check the calendar for directions and specific times!

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19th!

MOM'S MORNING OUT!

Come to the West Jefferson Coffee House for some quiet time without the kiddos! Bring a craft, a book, or nothing. It will be chilly so it's a good day to get warm! Julie, the owner, serves coffee of course, but also hot dishes, muffins, and tons of other goodies! Check the calendar for directions and specific times!

Thank You.

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

HighCountryMommies would like to take a moment to honor our military. While words cannot pay what we owe you and your families, we ‘thank you’ for your sacrifice. To the families who have lost loved ones, we offer our most heartfelt condolences. Many of us have never endured the pain you must feel, but our hearts hurt for your loss and wish we could help ease your pain. Let us never forget the people who did not make it home. Remember those still serving in our prayers and never take for granted the sacrifices they make. In closing, one more time HighCountryMommies would like to say -- THANK YOU.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder. 2 deployments = 2 LONG AWFUL YEARS apart. Now we feel like every day we wake up beside each other is a blessing. Some nights I wake up and just stare at him and say Thank You God for giving him back to me. I am so thankful to have him as my partner in the lonely walk or jouney we call life.

There are times where stress causes friction but we have just learned to move through it together. We have realized again so many lessons from the deployment but one of my fav's is we are so much stronger together than seperate.

Am I saying we NEVER fight no I doubt anyone can say that. I am saying we have learned to stop and look at the big picture and focus on our love and our blessings vs. fighting. We try our best to share the perspective of what is really so important we need to fight about."
-Amanda, mother to 2 beautiful sons and wife to a great man, Jason.